Intel Ships Dual-core Version Of Atom

Intel has begun shipping a dual-core version of its Atom processor which powers the new netbooks. The new processor is the Intel Atom 330 and clocks the same as the existing single-core Atom 230 – 1.6 GHz.

It contains 1 MB Level-2 cache, split over both cores; is rated for 8 watts of thermal design power, and includes support for DDR2 667 memory. The Atom 330 is designed for the Intel 945GC Express chipset. The Atom 330 is priced at $43 per processor in 1,000-unit lots, while the Atom 230 is priced at $29. Products with this new processor will begin shipping by end of the month.